Self-locking nut simulation optimization method based on independent forming

By using an independent self-locking nut simulation method, the problem of bolt deformation affecting simulation results during nut forming was solved, enabling more efficient and accurate simulation calculations and optimized designs, thus improving the performance and applicability of self-locking nuts.

CN121809154APending Publication Date: 2026-04-07SHENYANG AEROSPACE UNIVERSITY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-26
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing simulation methods for self-locking nuts, the nut forming process directly acts on the bolt, causing bolt deformation and stress changes, which affects the accuracy and reliability of the simulation results. Furthermore, the forming and assembly process is highly complex and computationally inefficient.

Method used

Using an independent molding method, a mesh model of the nut is first established and extruded. After verifying the self-locking effect, it is assembled with the bolt. Nonlinear analysis is performed using ABAQUS to avoid the direct influence of the nut on the bolt and ensure that the initial state of the bolt remains unchanged. Subsequently, assembly and vibration tests are conducted with the bolt.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy and reliability of simulation results, reduces computational complexity and time, enhances design flexibility and self-locking performance, and is suitable for high-precision and high-reliability applications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a self-locking nut simulation optimization method based on independent forming, and belongs to the technical field of mechanical engineering. According to the improved self-locking nut forming and assembling method, the nut is independently placed in a file to be subjected to extrusion forming, so that the influence of the nut on the bolt in the forming process is avoided, it is ensured that the initial state of the bolt is not changed, and the stress state of the bolt and the accuracy of stress distribution are ensured. The self-locking nut formed in the residual stress state is then guided into the structure comprising the bolt to be assembled, the interaction between the bolt and the nut is eliminated, and the accuracy of simulation calculation is improved. Meanwhile, due to decoupling in the forming and assembling processes, the complexity of simulation calculation is reduced, the coupling effect needing to be processed is reduced, and therefore the speed and efficiency of simulation calculation are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mechanical engineering technology, and in particular relates to a simulation optimization method for self-locking nuts based on independent molding. Background Technology

[0002] The forming technology of self-locking nuts is an important direction for self-locking nuts. Traditional nut forming methods usually include cold forging, hot forging and extrusion forming. In order to achieve the self-locking function, the nut needs to have a special structure and residual stress distribution through certain plastic deformation during the forming process. The main working principle of self-locking nuts is to improve the nut's anti-loosening ability through thread design, residual stress or structural form. Common self-locking methods include: (1) through the special design of the inner and outer shape of the nut (such as conical, elastic structure, etc.) to make the nut generate sufficient radial force during the tightening process, thereby achieving locking; (2) some self-locking nuts use special metal or alloy materials (such as nylon filled nuts, shape memory alloys, etc.) to achieve self-locking through the properties of the material itself (such as thermal expansion, deformation recovery, etc.); (3) the residual stress generated during the nut forming process helps it to remain fixed when under force, avoiding the nut from loosening.

[0003] Current simulation studies of self-locking nuts commonly employ a method of assembling the bolt and nut together and then extruding the nut. This method directly impacts the bolt during nut forming, potentially causing bolt deformation and even unnecessary stress changes. This deformation affects the overall structural stress, leading to inaccurate simulation results. In traditional simulation methods, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the following steps are typically taken:

[0004] (1) First, assemble the bolt and nut together, ensuring that the position of the nut matches the bolt.

[0005] (2) The manufacturing process of a self-locking nut is simulated by applying external force to the nut to form it.

[0006] (3) Once the nut is formed, the simulation will calculate the force, deformation and stress distribution of the entire structure.

[0007] Several key defects exist in the simulation process of the existing self-locking nuts mentioned above:

[0008] (1) During the nut forming process, the extrusion pressure acts directly on the bolt, which may cause slight deformation or unnecessary stress changes in the bolt. These changes will directly affect the contact relationship between the bolt and the nut, resulting in inaccurate simulation results, especially under high precision requirements. The deformation and stress changes of the bolt will make it impossible for the simulation to accurately reflect the actual stress situation, ultimately leading to a decrease in the accuracy and reliability of the design.

[0009] (2) Due to the interference of bolt deformation, traditional simulation methods fail to accurately capture the true stress state of bolts and nuts after actual assembly. This leads to deviations in the performance prediction of self-locking nuts in practical applications, affecting the stability and reliability of bolted connection structures. In particular, the distribution of residual stress is crucial in the application of self-locking nuts, and traditional methods cannot accurately simulate this key factor.

[0010] (3) Traditional methods usually simulate the forming and assembly processes of nuts separately, which limits the comprehensive optimization of the entire process. The force applied to the nut during the forming process affects the state of the bolt, but this effect is often not effectively considered, making it impossible to accurately assess the impact of nut forming on the bolt force during the simulation stage, thus affecting the accuracy and effectiveness of the simulation process.

[0011] (4) Due to the complex interaction between the nut forming and assembly processes, existing methods need to handle a large number of coupling effects and interactions, which greatly increases the complexity of simulation calculations, resulting in long calculation times and low computational efficiency. This shortcoming is particularly evident during multiple iterations and optimization designs.

[0012] In summary, the main drawback of existing technologies is that the nut forming process directly affects the bolt, causing deformation and stress changes, which impacts the accuracy and reliability of simulation calculations. Furthermore, the inability to effectively optimize the entire process from forming to assembly during the simulation phase leads to high complexity and low efficiency in simulation calculations. These shortcomings result in inaccurate predictions of self-locking nut performance in practical applications, difficulties in design optimization, and reduced speed and efficiency of simulation calculations. Summary of the Invention

[0013] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a simulation optimization method for self-locking nuts based on independent molding, thereby solving the problems of low accuracy, low reliability, high complexity, and low efficiency in existing self-locking nut simulation processes.

[0014] The technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0015] On the one hand, this invention provides a simulation optimization method for self-locking nuts based on independent molding, including the following steps:

[0016] Create a mesh model of the nut and extrude the mesh model to form a self-locking nut;

[0017] Assemble the self-locking nut and bolt;

[0018] Vibration tests were conducted on the assembled self-locking nuts and bolts to examine the stress distribution characteristics of the self-locking nuts and the preload decay results under lateral vibration conditions.

[0019] Furthermore, the process of creating a mesh model of the nut and extruding the mesh model to form a self-locking nut specifically includes:

[0020] A1: Create a geometric model of the nut, mesh it to obtain a mesh model of the nut, and import it into ABAQUS;

[0021] A2: Set the boundary conditions and material properties of the nut's mesh model;

[0022] A3: Define several extrusion plates as rigid bodies, which are attached to the top of the nut's mesh model;

[0023] A4: Place the nut's mesh model in a separate file, and extrude the nut using an extrusion plate. During the extrusion process, use the nonlinear analysis module in ABAQUS to perform plastic deformation simulation of the nut, forming a self-locking nut.

[0024] A5: Verify the self-locking effect of the nut. If the specified self-locking effect is achieved, proceed with the assembly of the self-locking nut and bolt. Otherwise, increase the compression range of the compression plate or increase the size of the compression plate to achieve the specified self-locking effect of the nut before proceeding with the assembly of the self-locking nut and bolt.

[0025] Furthermore, the assembly of the self-locking nut and the bolt specifically involves: establishing a mesh model of the bolt connection structure, exporting the last frame of the ODB file of the self-locking nut, and screwing it into the mesh model of the bolt connection structure for assembly. The bolt connection structure includes a bolt, an upper clamping member, and a lower clamping member.

[0026] Secondly, this application proposes an electronic device, including: one or more processors, and a memory for storing instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute the aforementioned simulation optimization method for independently molded self-locking nuts.

[0027] Thirdly, this application proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform the aforementioned simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding.

[0028] Fourthly, this application proposes a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0030] (1) Improve the accuracy of simulation results

[0031] In traditional methods, the compressive force of the nut directly acts on the bolt during the molding process, potentially causing bolt deformation or unnecessary stress changes, which in turn affects the simulation results. The improved method, by treating the nut and bolt separately, avoids the nut's influence on the bolt during molding, accurately reproducing the bolt's stress state and the nut's self-locking effect, greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of the simulation results.

[0032] (2) Avoid bolt deformation and stress state changes

[0033] In existing technologies, the extrusion pressure during nut forming can cause minor deformations or stress changes in the bolt. These changes are not accurately considered in simulations, easily leading to errors in the results. The improved method, by extruding the nut separately, completely avoids bolt deformation and stress changes during the extrusion process, ensuring that the initial state of the bolt is preserved and guaranteeing the consistency and reliability of the calculation results.

[0034] (3) Improve simulation efficiency and optimize design

[0035] The method of molding nuts separately and then importing them into the simulation of the assembly structure not only ensures that the states of nuts and bolts are handled independently, but also allows for flexible optimization design during the simulation stage. Engineers can perform more precise nut design and performance optimization based on the state of the nut after molding, without worrying about bolt deformation due to the molding process, greatly improving the flexibility and efficiency of the design stage.

[0036] (4) Facilitates parameter adjustment and control

[0037] In the improved method, nut forming and assembly are handled separately, meaning engineers can more easily adjust and control various parameters during the forming process (such as forming pressure, temperature, speed, etc.) without worrying about bolt stress affecting the final result. This method facilitates more precise adjustment of various physical quantities during the forming process to achieve optimal forming results and self-locking performance.

[0038] (5) Reduce computational complexity

[0039] By avoiding bolt deformation during the forming process, the improved method simplifies the interaction between the bolt and nut in the simulation, reducing complex coupling effects. This method effectively reduces the complexity of simulation calculations, saves computational resources and time, and makes the simulation process more efficient.

[0040] (6) Improve the self-locking performance of the nut

[0041] Because the mechanical forces during the forming process are concentrated solely on the nut itself, the residual stress in the nut is better controlled, thus contributing to improved self-locking performance. The improved method ensures better stability and self-locking properties of the nut during final assembly by preventing bolt deformation under stress.

[0042] (7) Enhance the controllability and precision of product design

[0043] In traditional methods, the performance of the nut after molding is often affected by the bolt due to the combined action of the nut and bolt, making precise control difficult. However, by molding the nut separately and then assembling it, a more precise self-locking effect can be achieved, enhancing the controllability and accuracy of product design.

[0044] (8) Improve applicability and diversity

[0045] The improved method is not only applicable to conventional bolted connection structures, but also demonstrates better adaptability in applications requiring high precision and reliability. Due to the decoupling of the forming and assembly processes, the improved method can work efficiently in different types of bolted connection structures, exhibiting broader applicability.

[0046] By separating the assembly and forming processes of the nut and bolt, the improved method significantly enhances the accuracy of simulation results, design flexibility, and computational efficiency. It effectively avoids potential deformation and stress changes in the bolt during the forming process, ensuring stable contact and reliable self-locking between the bolt and nut. These advantages not only improve the overall performance of the product but also provide strong support for further optimization design and precise simulation. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 A flowchart of a traditional self-locking nut simulation method in the prior art;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a mesh model diagram of the nut in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] (a) is an internal cross-sectional view of the nut; (b) is a side view of the nut; and (c) is a schematic diagram of the top surface of the nut.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nut's mesh model and the extrusion plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the stress distribution and deformation of the nut after extrusion in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly containing a self-locking nut and bolt connection structure with residual stress, as described in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0055] In traditional methods, the nut and bolt are assembled in the same structure before the nut is formed. This method can easily lead to unnecessary stress on the bolt during the forming process, causing bolt deformation and changes in stress distribution. These changes affect the bolt's stress state in the simulation, resulting in inaccurate simulation results. Furthermore, due to the complex interaction between the bolt and nut, numerous complex coupling effects need to be handled during the calculation, increasing the simulation time and difficulty, and reducing computational efficiency.

[0056] This invention proposes an improved method for forming and assembling self-locking nuts. The nut is extruded in a separate file, thus avoiding the nut's influence on the bolt during forming, ensuring the bolt's initial state remains unchanged, and guaranteeing the accuracy of the bolt's stress state and distribution. The self-locking nut, formed with residual stress, is then imported into the structure containing the bolt for assembly, eliminating the interaction between the bolt and nut and improving the accuracy of simulation calculations. Simultaneously, the decoupling of the forming and assembly processes reduces the complexity of simulation calculations, minimizing coupling effects and thus improving the speed and efficiency of simulation calculations.

[0057] Therefore, this invention can not only effectively improve the accuracy and reliability of simulation results of self-locking nuts, but also accelerate the simulation calculation speed, significantly improve the calculation efficiency, and optimize the design process of bolt-nut connection structures.

[0058] A simulation optimization method for self-locking nuts based on independent molding, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0059] Step 1: Create a mesh model of the nut and extrude the mesh model of the nut to form a self-locking nut;

[0060] Step 1.1: Create the geometric model of the nut, mesh it to obtain the nut mesh model, and import it into ABAQUS;

[0061] In this embodiment, a curve model (geometric model) is established in HYPERMESH based on the derived thread curve formula, and then meshed, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it is then imported into ABAQUS for subsequent self-locking nut creation and analysis.

[0062] Step 1.2: Set the boundary conditions and material properties of the nut's mesh model;

[0063] In this embodiment, a fixed boundary condition is applied to the lower plane of the nut's mesh model to prevent it from moving or rotating.

[0064] Using 45 steel as the material for the nut, its elastoplastic material properties are defined in ABAQUS as follows: Young's modulus of 210 GPa; Poisson's ratio of 0.3; yield strength of 355 MPa; tensile strength of 600-755 MPa; density of approximately 7.85 g / cm³; and coefficient of friction of 0.15 to simulate the friction between the nut and the bolt.

[0065] Step 1.3: Define several extrusion plates as rigid bodies, which are attached to the top of the nut mesh model;

[0066] In this embodiment, the three extrusion plates are defined as rigid bodies, and the deformation of the extrusion plates is not considered. They are attached to the top of the nuts at 120° intervals.

[0067] Step 1.4: Place the nut mesh model in a separate file, and extrude the nut using an extrusion plate. During the extrusion process, use the nonlinear analysis module in ABAQUS to perform plastic deformation simulation of the nut, forming a self-locking nut.

[0068] In this embodiment, three extrusion plates are used for extrusion, such as Figure 4 As shown, this design reduces the upper radius of the nut (reduction of the opening). Since the nut's size is no longer compatible with the matching bolt, the deformation of the upper end of the nut during tightening and assembly creates a self-locking effect. The forces during the forming process act only on the nut itself, avoiding direct impact on the bolt. For the simulation of the reduction process, explicit dynamics is used to handle large deformation issues.

[0069] Step 1.5: Verify the self-locking effect of the nut. If the specified self-locking effect is achieved, proceed to step 2. Otherwise, increase the squeezing range of the squeezing plate or increase the size of the squeezing plate to achieve the specified self-locking effect of the nut, and then proceed to step 2.

[0070] The stress distribution and strain of the nut during the closing process are analyzed through simulation results, such as... Figure 5 As shown, this ensures that the closing nut achieves a self-locking effect;

[0071] Step 2: Assemble the self-locking nut and bolt;

[0072] Specifically: Create a mesh model of the bolted connection structure, export the last frame of the ODB file of the self-locking nut obtained in step 1, and screw it into the mesh model of the bolted connection structure for assembly, such as... Figure 6 As shown; the bolted connection structure includes a bolt, an upper clamping member, and a lower clamping member;

[0073] Step 3: Conduct a vibration test on the assembled self-locking nut and bolt to examine the stress distribution characteristics of the self-locking nut and the preload decay results under lateral vibration conditions.

[0074] Example 2:

[0075] This embodiment proposes an electronic device, including: one or more processors, and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors execute the aforementioned simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding.

[0076] The electronic device can be a mobile phone, computer, or tablet computer, etc., and includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements a simulation optimization method for independently molded self-locking nut as described in the embodiment. It is understood that the electronic device may also include input / output (I / O) interfaces and communication components.

[0077] The processor is used to execute all or part of the steps in the simulation optimization method for independently molded self-locking nuts as described in the above embodiments. The memory is used to store various types of data, which may include, for example, instructions for any application or method in the electronic device, as well as application-related data.

[0078] The processor can be implemented as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or other electronic components, and is used to execute the simulation optimization method for independently formed self-locking nut described in the above embodiments.

[0079] Example 3:

[0080] This embodiment proposes a computer-readable storage medium that stores executable instructions. When these instructions are executed, if they are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0081] The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the simulation optimization method based on independently formed self-locking nuts described in various embodiments of this application.

[0082] The aforementioned storage media include: flash memory, hard disks, multimedia cards, card-type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital Memory Card) or DX (Memory Data Register, MDR) memory), random access memory (RAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, disks, optical discs, servers, APP (Application) application stores, and other media capable of storing program verification codes. These media store computer programs, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the various steps of the aforementioned simulation optimization method based on independently formed self-locking nut.

[0083] Example 4:

[0084] This embodiment proposes a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding.

[0085] Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a computer program product.

[0086] The various embodiments in this application are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0087] The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the embodiments described above. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. If such modifications and variations fall within the scope of this disclosure and its equivalents, then the intent of this disclosure also includes these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A simulation optimization method for self-locking nuts based on independent molding, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Create a mesh model of the nut and extrude the mesh model to form a self-locking nut; Assemble the self-locking nut and bolt; Vibration tests were conducted on the assembled self-locking nuts and bolts to examine the stress distribution characteristics of the self-locking nuts and the preload decay results under lateral vibration conditions.

2. The simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The process of creating a mesh model of the nut and extruding the mesh model to form a self-locking nut specifically includes: A1: Create a geometric model of the nut, mesh it to obtain a mesh model of the nut, and import it into ABAQUS; A2: Set the boundary conditions and material properties of the nut's mesh model; A3: Define several extrusion plates as rigid bodies, which are attached to the top of the nut's mesh model; A4: Place the nut's mesh model in a separate file, and extrude the nut using an extrusion plate. During the extrusion process, use the nonlinear analysis module in ABAQUS to perform plastic deformation simulation of the nut, forming a self-locking nut. A5: Verify the self-locking effect of the nut. If the specified self-locking effect is achieved, proceed with the assembly of the self-locking nut and bolt. Otherwise, increase the compression range of the compression plate or increase the size of the compression plate to achieve the specified self-locking effect of the nut before proceeding with the assembly of the self-locking nut and bolt.

3. The simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly of the self-locking nut and the bolt specifically involves: establishing a mesh model of the bolt connection structure, exporting the last frame of the ODB file of the self-locking nut, and screwing it into the mesh model of the bolt connection structure for assembly. The bolt connection structure includes a bolt, an upper clamping member, and a lower clamping member.

4. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, and a memory for storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding as described in any one of claims 1-3.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding as described in any one of claims 1-3.

6. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the simulation optimization method for a self-locking nut based on independent molding as described in any one of claims 1-3.